Traditionally, the idea of co-working has implied a place where start-ups can incubate in the company of peers, or a place where freelancers can go to get out of the house. These flexible spaces provide options for people who need an office or desk to get work done and hold meetings without the commitment of a permanent lease.

Though it's trending right now, the co-working concept has been around for a while. Not surprisingly, it got its start in San Francisco when computer programmer Brad Neuberg made the space he shared with two other programmers available to others. He began charging a nominal fee for use, and he then went on to co-found Citizen Space, the first official co-working space, in 2006.

According to Deskmag, there are 820 co-working spaces worldwide, 380 of which are in the U.S. (a number that is growing rapidly). Clearly, co-working is much bigger than simply working out of a Starbucks for the day. Depending on the location, you can book time in a co-working space for as little as $10 per day or as much as $35 day to work along side media moguls in LA. Pricing is very flexible in most places, as are the features.

The next time you're traveling around the country, consider renting a desk for a day instead of working out of your hotel room (where you're still likely paying a daily fee for an Internet connection). It's a spot to drop your bags, grab some free Wi-Fi, consort with locals, and maybe even drum up some new business in the process.

Here is a guide to the some of the best co-working spaces in the country.

1Chicago: The Coop

230 W Superior St., 2F
Chicago, IL 60654http://coworkchicago.com/
Chicago has joined the ranks alongside New York and San Francisco in terms of numbers. It now has 14 co-working spots. The Coop is a mixed use "shared creative workspace," meaning that the people who work there range from students to programmers to designers. The space has a T1 wireless connection, copier/printer, and fax machine. It features a kitchen, bathroom, AC, and an office dog. The space also showcases the work of local artists.
Hours: 9 a.m.- 5p.m. Mon-Fri, with 24-hour access available
Daily rate: $20

2Los Angeles: kleverdog coworking

418 Bamboo Lane, Suite A
Los Angeles, CA 90012http://www.kleverdogcoworking.com/
There are quite a few co-working spaces in LA, but daily rates can be slightly higher than other cities, ranging from $25 to$35 per day. Located near Chinatown, which is perhaps a less desirable area than Santa Monica or Culver City, kleverdog coworking charges a reasonable $20 per day. The space is outfitted with 20 desks, Wi-Fi, a copier/printer, free coffee, lockers, presentation equipment, and a conference room. Bonus: It's also close to Dodger Stadium, so you can catch a game after work.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri, with 24-hour access available
Daily rate: $20

3Atlanta: Strongbox West

1736 Defoor Place
Atlanta, GA 30318http://strongboxwest.com
Located in west midtown Atlanta, Strongbox West is a mixed-use co-working space that offers events to support the local co-working community. For $10 a day, you can grab a desk and enjoy free Wi-Fi, free coffee, a printer/copier, shredder, a full kitchen, and Sirius satellite radio. It even has a lounge with a TV and gaming. Sounds suspiciously like a college dorm.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri
Daily rate: $10 (cash only), with 24-hour access available

4Miami: Miami Shared

990 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132http://www.miamishared.com/
Located in Miami's downtown business district in a shiny new high rise, Miami Shared takes the co-working concept to a high-end, corporate level. Daily rates start at $35 per day for a shared workspace, and you can customize your options from there. Basic features include Wi-Fi, free coffee (and free bagels if you're there on a Monday), a storage locker, and parking. Beyond the basics, there are many custom add-ons, such as placement for your company logo on the private office entrance, receptionist service, and a building mailing address.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon-Fri
Daily rate: Starts at $35

5Boston: TSP Digital Lounge

252 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116http://www.techsuperpowers.com/digilounge
The concept of the digital lounge at Tech Superpowers is primarily to provide visitors with Internet access, but for $5 a day, you can settle in at a desk and get some work done. Services include Wi-Fi and use of Mac laptops, as well Mac repair services should you need it. The space is located close to other essential services, such as a Post Office, Staples, Mail Boxes Etc., plus dozens of coffee shops and restaurants.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon-Fri
Daily rate: $5

6San Diego: Hive Haus

Two locations:
241 14th Street
San Diego, CA 92101

770 11th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101http://www.hivehaus.net/
Hive 770 is a community co-working space, which means shared workstations, and Hive 241 caters to small businesses or executives who are looking for group space or private office space. You can check availability on the website: open and available space is noted in Hive floor plans. Both spaces feature Wi-Fi, mail services, fax, reception, secretarial services, presentation equipment, printer/copier, kitchen, and AC.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Fri, with 24-hour access available
Daily rate: $35

7Seattle: The Branch Coworking Office

8503 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115http://www.mapleleafbranch.org/
A mixed-use co-working space near Maple Leaf Park in the heart of North Seattle, The Branch promotes itself as a place where anyone can work comfortably. The space is equipped with 18 desks, Wi-Fi, a laser printer, flat-screen monitors for use, a conference room for use, presentation equipment, free coffee and tea, and a kitchen. In true west coast fashion, the office is dog friendly and offers bike storage.
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
Daily rate: $20

8Philadelphia: Independents Hall

20 North 3rd St, Unit 201
Philadelphia, PA 19106http://www.indyhall.org/
The motto of Independents Hall is "we all know that we're happier and more productive together than alone." This co-working space, known as IndyHall, is located near some great shops and restaurants and caters to a diverse group of workers. With 35 desks, each with Ethernet and wireless connections, you're sure to get your work done in good company. The space features a conference room, AV equipment available by request for presentations, printer/scanner/copier, free coffee, and a lounge, with a La-Z-Boy, an Xbox 360, and a library of magazines and books.
Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., with 24-hour access available (late-night hours between 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. on Wednesdays available by request)
Daily rate: $25

9San Francisco: Next Space

28 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94105http://nextspace.us/
NextSpace aims to reinvent the way people work. The space is designed to foster human interaction. It's a nice concept and a good reason to check the space out the next time you're looking for a place to work in San Francisco. For $20 per day, you get Wi-Fi, phone, mail services, storage lockers, a conference room, and access to presentation equipment. Oh, and there's free coffee.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Mon-Fri, with 24-hour access available
Daily rate: $20

10New York City: WIX Lounge

10 West 18th Street, 2nd Floor
NY, NY 10011http://www.wixlounge.com/
Many co-working spaces in NYC cater to technology start-ups, but WIX sets itself apart by offering open co-working space, meaning it's free. Space is available on a first come, first served basis and according to the space's events calendar, which you can view online. WIX features free Wi-Fi and power, as well as space for meetings and events. It also offers "pro-to-peer" services, or consultation on website design and marketing.
Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Daily rate: Free

About the Author

Kirsten Cluthe is a contributing writer for various media outlets, including Connected Traveler for PCMag.com, mediabistro.com, and several blogs focused on travel, tech, business, and media. She began her career in Los Angeles, coordinating concert tours and recovering lost baggage for traveling musicians. When not in a window seat at 36,000 feet,... See Full Bio

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